Shade Garden

The Shade Garden demonstrates the design principles — and plants — that can be used in areas that receive little sun. In 2021,  Allerton staff and the Champaign County Master Gardeners began a collaborative effort to renovate this area. Beginning with hostas that survived the previous garden, the Master Gardeners focused on providing more texture, color and form through a variety of plants. Windows were cut into the wooden wall to provide more light, and self-watering window boxes added to display annual plants that provide a more cheerful environment. This garden is a work in progress as Master Gardeners seek to add species that will thrive in this area, which is a challenge due to it being shady, dry (due to the shelter of trees) and roots that crisscross the soil.

Enjoy the subtle beauty of the Shade Garden, which features plants and foliage rather than flowering blooms, providing an area for quiet contemplation.